No More Free Passes: Career Thief Finally Faces Justice

In the heart of Manhattan, a notorious burglar, Al Booker, has left his mark since 2018, but until recently, he has dodged real jail time despite more than 40 arrests. Judges have repeatedly shown him leniency, releasing him after burglaries and even letting him go on supervised release, sometimes immediately after arrest. Often, he gets off easy because of New York’s bail reform and some prosecutors being soft on crime. Al had only served jail time once, for six months in 2023. That was after hitting a police officer on the face; a punishment that should have been serve for his burglaries. In that case, prosecutors bundled 10 burglaries into one charge and let him off by pleading guilty to a minor assault. On November the 8th of last year, he was arrested for more offenses, but a judge let him out again. Less than two weeks later, he was again collared for burglary and the prosecutor wanted 30, 000$ bail for it, but the judge just allowed him to go free with monitoring. In late January, he was pulled in again for more, intimidating crimes. However, the the judge let him off again. He was later arrested for two more thefts, which occurred the end of January. He has continued with his reign of thefts despite numerous incidents of repeat crime. Every time he got caught breaking into places, particularly on the Upper East Side, we saw minor penalties. Pre-trial monitoring was a common resolution, instead of any meaningful punishment. Finally, after yet another theft, a judge decided to order him to be locked up without bail. Booker was caught stealing packages and a bag, which happens to be a familiar crime on the UES. Under a new judge, Rachel Pauley he is now finally seeing some justice. This time around, the prosecutors requested a $20, 000 bail and the judge agreed. What makes this time different is the jury has decided enough is enough. Judge Pauley declared him unable to face trial as a free man,despite having a history of theft. After being caught for his crimes, Booker has been held back at Rikers since early February. What remains to be seen? How New York's justice system will really deal with offenders like him. Is old ways really the best way? Many are asking if this case is a sign that New York’s justice system is finally cracking down on repeat offenders. . He has used up all of his good luck. Al Booker is stuck in jail for the time being.